Importing a US spec X5 xdrive 35d to Germany

[vinergy]

Hi Alpagad,

I replaced tail lights myself, got them on ebay together with the lights switch.

Got the lights switch (for rear fog lights) and coding done by the same company.


I use the car mostly for travelling not much around the city, so no issues with the car size, except for parking as many garages are simply too small.

[vinergy]

Would be interested to learn from other forum members who imported X5 to EU without headlamp washers - how they solved this situation. Please PM / share your experience.

[StumpyPete]

Originally Posted by vinergy

Would be interested to learn from other forum members who imported X5 to EU without headlamp washers - how they solved this situation. Please PM / share your experience.

Given that fitting headlamp washers involves a new washer bottle, pipes and two new wings, I would argue that the easiest thing to do is buy two Halogen headlights from EBAY (they are rare but do pop up!) and fit those. I believe it is legal to have halogen headlights without washers - certainly there are thousands (if not millions) of low-end vehicles in Europe with that spec!

And before anyone says you can't get halogens for the X5 - you can in Europe, mine has them!

[vinergy]

Thanks StumpyPete,

I was considering this option, just was not sure about the wiring - if there is any difference between xenon and halogen wiring and if any coding would be needed.

[StumpyPete]

Originally Posted by vinergy

Thanks StumpyPete,

I was considering this option, just was not sure about the wiring - if there is any difference between xenon and halogen wiring and if any coding would be needed.

No idea on that one, I'm guessing the wiring ain't that different, although clearly you have ballast on the Xenons to get rid of, in some respects the wiriing is simpler with halogens. Re coding.....that is a different question, run it by your friendly coding garage to see what they say.

**EDIT** Looks like you need a different light switch too - real oem has a different one for Xenon=NO **/EDIT**

RealOEM.com * BMW E70 X5 3.0si Control element light

[vinergy]

Originally Posted by StumpyPete

No idea on that one, I'm guessing the wiring ain't that different, although clearly you have ballast on the Xenons to get rid of, in some respects the wiriing is simpler with halogens. Re coding.....that is a different question, run it by your friendly coding garage to see what they say.

**EDIT** Looks like you need a different light switch too - real oem has a different one for Xenon=NO **/EDIT**

RealOEM.com * BMW E70 X5 3.0si Control element light

Thanks, will check out this option as well.

[Augusta74]

Hi, I am trying to import to Germany a 2011 X5 5.0i but I am having trouble with emission test by TUV. Anyone has experience in importing such a car?